“GOOD NEIGHBOURS”

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20185, 1 March 1940, Page 6

“GOOD NEIGHBOURS”

DOMINION AND JAPAN DEPARTING CONSUL GRATITUDE TO PEOPLE (I’er Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. Mr. K. Gunji, Consul-General for Japan, prior to leaving Wellington yesterday to take up his new appointment at Honolulu, issued the following statement to the press:— “Now that the time has come for us to say good-bye to our many friends and acquaintances, Mrs. Gunji and I desire to express our deepest regret at leaving the shores of this truly beautiful country, where our somewhat brief sojourn marked a period of ineffable pleasure to us. Impressed by Friendliness “We are about to depart from a land where uniform courtesy and kindness have been extended us on all sides. The people of New Zealand displayed a spontaneity of friendliness and politeness which have indelibly impressed us. Our little sons also formed warm comradeships with many New Zealand boys which they always will remember. “On my arrival in New Zealand about 22 months ago, I thought my term would be for the duration of about three years, but unfortunately I have been called away far sooner than I expected. As the first Consul-General for Japan in New Zealand, I came here with the set purpose of establishing sincere friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries. Both Japan and New Zealand are confronted with many difficulties incidental to their respective international situations. Nevertheless, I feel satisfied there is now a far better understanding with relation to each other. Reciprocal Relations “I want to stress the point that as neighbours New Zealand and Japan are fated to b.e good friends, each with its particular problems and having to work out its own destiny in its respective sphere. We are not only good neighbours but are so conditioned that we should be able to agree to reciprocal relations of mutual benefit. “For myself, I can say it shall ever be my endeavour to do whatever lies in my power to further the friendship between the two countries. Nevy Zealanders are-fortunate in the possession of a land of amazing productivity and of enormous natural resources. The people display prodigious energy, coupled with the employment of the most modern scientific methods in exploiting iheir wonderful endowments. As I take my leave, my farewell message to the good people of this Dominion embodies a sincere wish for much happiness and prosperity. We carry with us memories of many happy associations—enduring recollections which will always be a source of pleasure to Mrs. Gunji and myself.”